How to Cultivate Sweet Sapphire Grapes? Key Technical Points Explained in Detail

Sweet Sapphire grapes are a common type of grape in China, with a nutritional value ten times higher than ordinary grapes, so the price is very expensive. Currently, they are being planted in some regions. So what are the cultivation techniques for Sweet Sapphire grapes?

1. Site selection and land preparation

Sweet Sapphire grapes have strong adaptability to soil and can be planted in general soil, but soil rich in organic matter is best for planting. Then prepare the land and form ridges. Land preparation is divided into deep plowing of the whole orchard and digging trenches along the rows. During land preparation, sufficient organic fertilizer needs to be applied as base fertilizer, and the organic fertilizer should be mixed evenly with the topsoil.

2. Cultivation

1. Cultivation time: spring.

2. Cultivation method: grafted seedlings or direct-sown seedlings can be used. Grafted seedlings: before planting, first remove the rootstock buds, untie the binding film, and plant along the rows, with a spacing of about 70cm per plant. After planting, a large amount of water is needed, then fill with soil, cover with a layer of rice straw, and water thoroughly. Finally, covering with a layer of plastic film is enough.

3. Field management techniques

1. Fertilizer requirements: after planting, water once about every 7 days, which can better promote the growth of Sapphire grape seedlings. When watering, apply an appropriate amount of compound fertilizer as a top dressing, and also spray foliar fertilizer once about every 15 days. In every season, a layer of dried grass can be spread in the field. After the dried grass rots, it will produce nitrogen, and after being absorbed by the soil, it is beneficial to plant growth.

2. Trellising and pruning: when the Sapphire grape seedlings grow to about 1m, a trellis can be built, and the grape seedlings can be guided onto the trellis so they can grow creeping along it. In addition, the pruning technique for Sapphire seedlings is very important. First, two main vines should be cultivated to promote rapid side growth, which helps increase the yield of Sapphire grapes. Second, winter pruning should be carried out so that after budding they produce large clusters. This is what people often refer to as the small dragon trunk pruning technique.

3. Flower and fruit thinning: management during the flowering and fruiting period is intended to promote flower buds, protect flowers and fruits, and thin flowers and fruits, etc. Before flowering, top dressing and watering should be carried out to help produce more clusters and strong clusters, thereby forming plump flower buds.

Overall, Sweet Sapphire grapes are still quite easy to cultivate. As long as the site is well chosen, the rootstock buds are removed before planting, then the binding film is taken off, and they are planted in the soil, finally covering with plastic film and doing a good job with watering, fertilizing, pruning, and trellising.